To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite guest entry into the stadium, Illinois State will utilize a clear bag policy for all ticketed events at Hancock Stadium (football) and CEFCU Arena (volleyball, men's and women's basketball) that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the venue.
Guests will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package or container into the venue:
•Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12."
•One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
•Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the venue with one of the clear plastic bags.
•An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the proper medical gate.
Prohibited bags include but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, non-approved seat cushions or seatbacks, computer bags, briefcase/satchel, binocular cases, and camera bags. Guests will continue to be able to enjoy their tailgate activities in the parking lots and to do so with greater safety and the knowledge that their entry into the venue will be smoother and faster. They also will continue to be able to carry items allowed into the venue, such as binoculars and smartphones. Professional cameras are not allowed in the stands at Illinois State Athletics events.*
List of Prohibited Items:
Alcohol
All non-clear bags (all bags subject to search)
Animals (with the exception of service animals)
Containers of any kind (coolers, cans, etc)
Flags and flagpoles
Folding chairs
Food and beverage (except for an unopened 20 oz. or smaller bottle of water)
Projectiles (including footballs, Frisbees, etc.)
Seat cushions with any metal, pockets, arm rests or backs
Strollers
Umbrellas
Video Cameras/Professional Cameras
Weapons of any kind
Any other item that may impair the view/enjoyment of others
*Non-approved seat cushions and seatbacks include large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers. Seat cushions and seatbacks must be 16" or less in width with no armrests
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Illinois State University adopting this policy for Hancock Stadium?
Our guests are our most prized partners, and ensuring their safety is a top priority. World events continue to impact our security and we cannot ignore them in the annual analysis of our public safety and stadium security policies.
How does this policy improve public safety?
Clear bags provide layers of security with less inconvenience to our guests. As guests walk toward our events, law enforcement can easily spot prohibited items and have the ability to resolve issues before they can get into the stadium. The clear bags are easier and faster to search, greatly reducing faulty bag searches. The policy supports the Department of Homeland Security's "See Something, Say Something" campaign. Additionally, inside the venue, staff members know that a clear bag has already been searched and that any non‐clear bag without a security tag requires their attention.
How does this expedite my entry into the venue?
This policy enables us to move guests through our security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the venue. A standard size bag eliminates the need for bag templates to check sizes. Overall, shorter lines mean fewer hassles, and an improved sense of safety for games.
How many bags can each person bring into the venue?
Each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag‐ either a one‐gallon Ziploc‐style bag or the 12"x 6"x 12" clear bag‐ plus a small clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"). The small clutch must be carried into the venue outside the clear bag and is subject to search.
Are team‐branded bags available?
Guests who desire to carry Illinois State branded bags may purchase them at the Redbird Spirit Shop. However, any clear 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag with no commercial identification or an inexpensive one‐gallon Ziploc‐style bag may be used.
Can I bring my purse?
A small clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"), with or without a handle or strap is permitted along with either the 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bag or one‐gallon freezer bag.
What about diaper bags?
Diapers and other baby supplies can be carried in a diaper bag. Upon entry, please alert an event staff worker that you are carrying a diaper bag & they will direct you to the nearest bag check.
Can I carry binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from the clear bag?
Binoculars or a phone can be carried into the venue so long as it is not in its own bag.
Are seat cushion/backs allowed to be carried into the venue?
Non-approved seat cushions and seatbacks include large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments, covers, or backs. Seat cushions must be 16" or less in width and with no arm rests or backs.
Seatbacks are permitted for those with a doctor's note and are 16" wide or less. Guests with a doctor's note must enter through the medical bag check at Gate 10.
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the venue for medical reasons and they won't fit into the clear bag, what do I do?
Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into the venue will be required to have their bag/equipment inspected and tagged by security at Gate 10 on the southeast corner of Hancock Stadium.
Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into a permissible clear bag?
No. This policy is designed to limit only the type of bags carried into the venue, not the permissible items that are brought to a game. In their pockets or jacket, guests can carry keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc. if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"). And, they can carry a blanket over their shoulders, binoculars and/or camera without the case around their necks or in their hands
Does this policy apply to me if I'm working at the game, not attending as a fan?
Credentialed individuals will enter the stadium through designated gates at Gate 5 in the northwest corner of the stadium or Gate 10 at the southeast corner of the stadium. These individuals and any items that they bring into the stadium will continue to be screened based on procedures that are already in place. Once screened, the bags will be temporarily tagged, showing that the bag has been screened and approved.
